Row erupts between Italy's Parma ham makers and activists over pig welfare

Parma ham industry accuses animal welfare groups of a smear campaign following the release of 'grim' images of pigs kept in filthy and barren conditions

Images of pigs in filthy pens and barren conditions have sparked a row between animal welfare activists and the makers of Italy's Parma ham.

The campaigners have released footage that they claim exposes barren living conditions with no stimulation, and injured animals with abscesses and hernias being left without adequate treatment. Their expose of the farms that produce meat for Parma and a small proportion of other hams follows a series of investigations over the last few years that have repeatedly appeared to reveal concerning conditions, such as pigs being treated roughly, and sick pigs being left to die in the corridors between their pens.